Kawasaki KLR Forum banner

effect of 685 upgrade on gas mileage?

7K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Lockjaw 
#1 ·
I bought my KLR because it is very versatile and and cheap to ride. For $2900 dollars purchase price and $7.00 a month for insurance I have fun and effective transportation in my 2007 KLR 650.

My gas mileage is about 48 mpg and I have no upgrades. I wish the bike had a little more snap and would run lower rpm's at highway miles. My question is what can I do to give it a little more pep without negatively affecting gas mileage.

I have ordered a new Vance Hines XCR muffler and jet kit for the carberetor (stage 1 or 2?). I have considered a 685 or 704 upgrade but an concerned it will negatively impact gas mileage. I have two kids in college and need to use my resources efffectively. Any suggestions?
 
#6 ·
I've added a lot of bling to my KLR but haven't paid much attention to performance mods. I knew when I bought it in 06 that it would not gas wheelie in second and I had owned enough machines that would. I just use it as secondary transportation and don't have a problem with how it runs. Good luck with the mods and I hope they provide noticeable improvement in the bike.
 
#7 ·
I'm known for saying the KLR isn't a speed demon and a little sluggish, but in all honesty it can be ridden quite aggressively in stock form. The engine can easily out perform the size of the bike and make for a spirited ride. You just have to keep it up around 5 and 6g's and it'll feel like a torque monster. You can take off quite fast and let her rip all the way close to redline and it doesn't really quit pulling. I think this is one of the better features of the KLR. Unlike a high powered bike, that gets you in trouble without even trying or paying attention and at the blink of an eye, you have to really be trying with the KLR which means your ready and paying attention. It's a built in safety feature I think.
 
#8 ·
Well said. I made a similar argument to a friend who is in the market. The KLR is more than fast enough when I want it to be. Having to try and go fast is much better than going faster than you want by accident.

I blast sport bikes off the line every day on my commute (granted most of them are 19 year old squids who don't know what their bikes can do, but I digress). Then I let them pass me once I hit the speed limit. Get some strange looks. :35a:

AND, as has been mentioned before, I really enjoy getting up to speed going through the gears. I don't want a bike that goes 35 in first. If I did, I would just get another scooter. Shifting keeps you alert and tuned in too.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top